JAMBI – A warm and lively atmosphere marked the meeting between Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi and representatives from the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The gathering, held at the rector’s official residence, highlighted academic diplomacy and reinforced the strong ties between the two institutions.
Representing UIN STS Jambi were Rector Prof. Dr. H. Kasful Anwar, M.Pd, Vice Rector I Dr. Ayub Mursalin, MA, Vice Rector III Dr. Jamaluddin, M.Pd, Head of Bureau AUPK Dr. Abduh, and Coordinator of the International Services and Cooperation Center (PLKI-LPPM) Dr. Dion Ginanto. From the Malaysian Embassy, Education Attaché Puan Shafieza binti Md. Fadzil and Student Affairs & Alumni officer Ririn Suhirta attended the session. The meeting was also joined by student representatives: Ijam, Daniel, Shariza, and Salihin, who symbolized the active involvement of students in fostering international collaboration.
The discussion centered on opportunities for educational collaboration between UIN STS Jambi and the Malaysian government, as well as the academic and non-academic development of Malaysian students studying at the university. The meeting also touched on their participation in competitions organized both on and off campus, including plans for international student archery athletes to compete at the provincial level.
Adding a touch of humor, Rector Kasful Anwar jokingly asked why there had not yet been family ties formed between Malaysian and local Jambi students that ended at the wedding altar. The lighthearted remark drew laughter and underscored the friendly tone of the meeting.
The visit also included the inauguration of Sukan Jambi (Sukjam 2026), an international student sports competition initiated by PKPMI (Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Malaysia di Indonesia) Jambi. The event is expected to foster camaraderie among students from diverse backgrounds.
“We are very grateful for the warm welcome. Hopefully, cooperation with UIN STS Jambi will continue to grow,” said Puan Shafieza. She emphasized that UIN STS Jambi hosts the largest number of Malaysian students among PTKIN in Indonesia, making the university a priority for the embassy’s attention.
Rector Kasful Anwar expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that it would inspire Malaysian students to excel further. Vice Rector III, Dr. Jamaluddin, highlighted their achievements in e-sports, student creativity programs, and athletics, while Vice Rector I, Dr. Ayub Mursalin, pointed out that Malaysian alumni from UIN STS Jambi have successfully entered the workforce, setting a positive precedent for future students.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photo, symbolizing the commitment to strengthening academic and cultural ties between UIN STS Jambi and Malaysia.
